The process followed if you break down is explained in the policy wording for each policy, the distances will vary according to policy, but they all generally respond in the same way. It's important to understand what happens in the event of a breakdown. If you know what to expect from your policy, it avoids confusion, stress and the potential for disappointment if you find you're not getting what you expected.
Because all of the policies we sell behave slightly differently, you should take a look at the policy wording for the one you're looking at. This is usually found on the comparison table, or as a link on the cover summary page before you buy. To make it as easy as possible, this information is all on the first page of the policy wording for each of the policies we sell.
Home Start
If your policy has Home Start, this will provide the facility whereby someone will attend your home address and try and get you going again. If this can't be done, the policy may provide for recovering you to a garage nearby where you've broken down.
Local Recovery
Typically, this will be within around 20 miles of home, but please check this as it varies from policy to policy. If you breakdown under these circumstances and we can't get you going at roadside, you'll be recovered to a local garage or to your home.
National Recovery
Once you're further away from home than local recovery allows, if you breakdown you'll receive roadside assistance if the problem is likely to be fixable roadside. If not, you'll be towed to a local garage to where you've broken down. Only if the repairs can't be made within 48 hours of the breakdown occurring will you be either recovered home, recovered to your destination or overnight accommodation can become an option. We don't sell a policy that will immediately take you home if you break down and this is not an optional upgrade.
European Recovery
This typically operates in a similar way to National Recovery, but because the amounts of cover and processes are all a bit different, you really should read the policy wording to make sure you understand what will happen in the event you breakdown. Usually these policies will include a section around repatriation which explains what happens if your vehicle can't be repaired on the continent.